animism

an·i·mism

The view that all things in nature, both animate and inanimate, contain a spirit or soul; part of many religious doctrines that a soul or spirit dwells within people and nature.See also: animatism.

[L. anima, soul]

animism

A term of historic interest for belief that inanimate objects (e.g., earth, wind, fire, et al) are alive, move with purpose and intent, and have an agenda. The current equivalent is the Gaia hypothesis, which is widely regarded by mainstream biologists as a form of pseudoscience.

animism

(an′ĭ-mizm) [ anima + -ism]

Attribution of spiritual qualities and mental capabilities to nonhuman living creatures, e.g., animals or trees, or to inanimate objects, e.g., mountains.

animism

The belief held by many primitive peoples that a spirit resides within every object, controlling its existence and influencing events in the natural world.

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